The Great Outdoors

Starring: Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Annette Bening, Stephanie Faracy, 
Written by: John Hughes

Director: Howard Deutch
Year: 1988

Rating: * * *   Stars       +       (Fan Bonus -  )  Total: * * *

A week's getaway in the wilderness with the family is exactly what Chet needed. That is, until his obnoxious Brother-In-Law and his family crash the vacation.

Chet (John Candy), a native of Chicago, arrives to the small lakeside resort of Pechoggin, Wisconsin with his wife Connie (Stephanie Faracy) and their two boys, Buck and Benny. Chet rents a huge cabin, with high hopes of some family bonding over cookouts, hikes, fishing and boating. Suddenly, this picturesque setting is disturbed by his Brother-In-Law Roman (Dan Aykroyd), his wife Kate (Annette Bening), and their twin girls Mara and Cara. 

From the get go, it's clear that Chet really despises Roman, but tolerates him for his wife's sake. Roman is an obnoxious investment broker always looking for the bigger, better deal. Where Chet likes the simple pleasures in life, Roman likes to flaunt his money. This clash of styles is played out throughout the film, such as Roman renting a speed boat over Chet's inclination of renting a simple pontoon boat. The speed boat works against Chet as he goes water-skiing, only to be dragged all over the lake at a 100mph. Connie begins to resent her sister Kate as well. While both Chet and Connie grow increasingly irritated, Roman and Kate are blissfully unaware how their presence is affecting others. If that isn't bad enough, Chet and Roman have to work together as they deal with natures finest, including a bat, leeches, a bald-headed grizzly bear, and a family of raccoon's that keep getting in the garbage. 

Dan Aykroyd is clearly made for the role of Roman Craig, and comes off as irritatingly enjoyable. John Candy is perfect as the every man Chet who simply wants a quiet vacation, but is thwarted at every turn. John Hughes' writing style isn't lost, despite this film not being focused on teen angst. His sense of comedy doesn't push any ratings envelopes, yet still tugs the funny bone. 

While certainly a delightful film, it does seem to have lost some edge to it some 22 years later. Still, seeing John Candy and Dan Aykroyd share a film together is worthy of peeping out.

SEE THE TRAILER: The Great Outdoors